The rural special educator can evaluate commercial programmed curricula by considering seven major categories: theoretical foundation consistent with existing instructional theories; content; training needed to implement; assessment measures for properly placing students; cost; time required for implementation and record keeping; and program…

Develops Glaser and Strauss' (1967) suggestion that fieldwork techniques may be successfully adapted for content analysis research. Discusses relative advantages of literature and traditional fieldwork sites, and initial stages of doing fieldwork at literature sites; demonstrates method used through an evaluation of the hypothesis that prejudice…

The National Diffusion Network is a mechanism for sharing information and resources among education service providers. Three interactive components serve as a linkage in this network: (1) demonstrator-developers, (2) state facilitators, and (3) departments of education. (JN)

The choices involved in setting up an open learning system are discussed, and the case for the mixture of interaction and independence is established. Problems involved in effecting the synthesis between activities in which the student works alone and those which bring him into contact with others are detailed. (AF)

The methods and considerations in determining computer needs of both academic and administrative computer users in higher education institutions are discussed. It is suggested that computer power in the future may require local distributed interactive computing networks and/or remote job entry to a large off-campus computer. (SF)

Looks at how Pennsylvania State University is examining its evolving research administration infrastructure and investigating electronic research administration. Discusses use of total quality management techniques to view research administration as a single process, determine the best organizational level for various activities, and remove…

A model of state policymaking affecting private higher education involves three constructs of policy posture: laissez faire; central planning; and market competition. Relationships of the policies and postures to state characteristics and policy outcome proxies are explored, and policy implications are drawn. The analysis suggests that…

Presents an overview of interactive multimedia learning systems. Highlights include hardware platforms; authoring programs; benefits; cost savings; empowerment; multiple sensory learning; barriers to implementation; a strategy for the improvement of existing training programs; an evaluation checklist; and possible future developments. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the current state of information systems and services in Africa, examines future possibilities, and suggests areas for improvement. Topics include the lack of automation; CD-ROM databases for accessibility to information sources; developing low-cost electronic communication facilities; Internet connectivity; dependence on imported…

Responds to Hiebert's 1994 article in Educational Researcher in which she criticized Reading Recovery (RR) advocates for failing to base RR's success on an adequate cost-benefit analysis. The authors suggest reliance on the informal judgements of local administrators rather than using administratively difficult, large-scale, cost-benefit analyses…

The financial requirements for bringing students at risk of failure into the educational mainstream are explored. Demographics; economics; social costs; roles of state, federal, and local governments; and the private sector are addressed. An additional annual spending of 21 billion dollars would help address this problem. (TJH)

Presents two new measures of the benefits from education, based on the incremental effect that participation in formal schooling has on human wealth, which is broadly defined. The expenditures of educational institutions are very much smaller than the benefits of education. (Author/BJV)

Describes the use of interactive video for mathematics classes in middle schools and high schools in Oregon, and discusses the possibilities of their transfer to schools in the United Kingdom. Cost effectiveness is discussed, teacher and student attitudes are examined, and several evaluative studies of the videodisc materials are described. (LRW)

A process for college and university decision making and budgeting for capital outlays that focuses on evaluating the qualitative and quantitative benefits of each proposed project is described and illustrated. The process provides a means to solicit suggestions from those involved and provide detailed information for cost-benefit analysis. (MSE)

Many public schools are turning their administration over to private enterprise. The same logic suggests an advantage to privatizing instructional services. What this might mean is discussed. Educational quality and cost effectiveness might be enhanced if the antipathy of public-sector educators to the private sector can be overcome. (SLD)